Latest news with #PublicHealthandFamilyWelfare
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
COVID-19 cases in Telangana rise to double digits, experts say current wave appears mild
COVID-19 cases in Telangana have now climbed into double digits, with 10 active cases reported on Sunday, June 8, according to the national COVID-19 dashboard. The fresh uptick marks a steady rise in infections across the state, mirroring a broader national trend. The current wave in Telangana began on May 23, when a doctor from Kukatpally in Hyderabad tested positive, the first recorded case in this phase of the outbreak. Since then, daily case numbers have seen a gradual increase. Officials, however, have sought to calm public concern. Telangana's Director of Public Health and Family Welfare told The Hindu, 'It is only a normal routine kind of cases . If there is any hospitalisation or serious presentation, it will be taken seriously. The Government of India is also on the same page.' Genome sequencing data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) shows that five samples from Telangana were sequenced as of June 8. Four of these belong to the LF.7.9 variant, while one was identified as the XFG variant. Medical experts have so far noted no alarming signs. Dr. Kiran Madala, Professor of Anaesthesia at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, said, 'The cases are going up every day, but it is behaving just like another flu. We are not seeing any unusual hospital admissions. The pattern appears similar to what other states are experiencing, and it is milder for now.'
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
TTD issues Covid alert in Tirumala
TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has sounded a COVID-19 alert on Wednesday, urging both employees and visiting pilgrims to follow precautionary measures in view of rising cases. On Wednesday evening, the TTD administration issued an emergency circular to all department heads and staff, directing strict implementation of health and safety guidelines issued by the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare. The circular emphasised enhanced vigilance in high-traffic areas such as queue complexes, accommodation blocks, and other public spaces within the Tirumala temple premises. It also called for the immediate suspension of mass gatherings, including prayer meetings, parties, and social functions. Elderly individuals and pregnant women have been advised to take extra precautions in view of Covid resurgence.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Lower temperatures and increased humidity could spike malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and other diseases: Telangana DPH
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rains across Telangana over the next two days, the State's Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Dr Ravinder B. Nayak has issued a health advisory urging citizens to take precautionary measures against seasonal illnesses. The advisory warns that the combination of lower temperatures and increased humidity could lead to a spike in vector-borne and waterborne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, acute gastroenteritis, jaundice, and typhoid. To curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, the advisory has urged residents to secure doors and windows with mosquito screens, use repellents, maintain domestic drains to avoid water stagnation, and cover septic tanks with mesh. Citizens have also been advised to observe 'Friday Dry Day' each week to eliminate stagnant water around their homes. To prevent waterborne infections, the public was encouraged to drink only filtered or boiled water, maintain strict hand hygiene, especially before and after meals and avoid consuming stale or roadside food. 'With the threat of airborne infections such as viral fevers and influenza, people should refrain from handshakes, use hand sanitizers frequently, and cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. Those experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, headache, sore throat, and body aches are advised to visit the nearest government health facility. For emergencies, the public can dial 108 for ambulance services,' as per the advisory. It added that special beds, IV fluids, and essential medicines were arranged across public health facilities. ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers are equipped with medicines and ORS sachets to respond swiftly to any health emergencies.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
A.P. Govt. issues COVID guidelines; public asked to wear masks in crowded places
With the surfacing of COVID cases in the country and neigbouring States of Andhra Pradesh, the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare has issued a set of guidelines, one of which asks the public to wear a mask 'compulsorily' in crowded places and while travelling. As of May 19, there are no Coronavirus cases in the State, according to an official release from the department issued late on May 21. However, in view of the country reporting 257 cases (as of May 19), most of which are from Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, guidelines have been issued for the public. If any person experiences symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, throat pain, they should visit the nearest health clinic. If a person experiences these symptoms after returning from places where the cases are on a rise, they should mandatorily get tested for COVID. They should also isolate themselves for a week. Masks are a must in crowded public places, including malls, theatres, bus and railway stations, and frequent hand-washing is advised. People with comorbidities, pregnant women, children aged below five and elderly people have been asked to cut down their visits to public places. Meanwhile, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare K. Padmavathi told The Hindu that there is a person symptomatic of COVID in Visakhapatnam. 'Today morning, we received information that a 23-year-old woman in Visakhapatnam has tested positive for COVID, along with malaria. But the tests were conducted by a private lab. We have sent her samples to government labs for confirmation,' she said, adding that the woman is stable. The woman does not have any travel history. Regarding surveillance of incoming passengers at airports, Dr. Padmavathi said testing kits have been arranged at some airports in the State and screening is happening on a small scale. At present, there are no restrictions on travelling to other States, where cases are more. She said as per information received from other States, the infections are of mild nature and there is no need for alarm. 'However, it is better to visit the nearest clinic on the first day of presenting of the symptoms for a faster treatment,' said Dr. Padmavathi. The department will take decisions regarding setting up of isolation wards in hospitals, among other things, as per an action plan that will be made after a zoom conference on May 23.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Telangana is a medical tourism hub drawing over one lakh visitors annually: Health Secretary
Telangana is rapidly gaining recognition as a prime destination for medical tourism, attracting over one lakh visitors annually from regions including the Middle East, Africa, SAARC and CIS countries. The State's appeal is now expanding further to Southeast Asia and Europe, said Telangana Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu while addressing contestants of Miss World 2025 during their visit to AIG Hospital on Friday. Highlighting the importance of women's health, Ms. Chongthu described it as 'foundational' to the well-being of families and societies. She detailed the State's flagship healthcare initiative, Aarogya Mahila, launched in 2023, and outlined Telangana's broader healthcare infrastructure aimed at promoting equitable and accessible care for women. 'The Aarogya Mahila programme currently operates in 372 primary health centers across Telangana, linked with 37 tertiary care institutions. Every Tuesday, women patients can access preventive screenings and consultations exclusively provided by women healthcare professionals. It is cared for by women, for women,' she explained. Since its inception, Aarogya Mahila has screened 19.21 lakh women, with over 42,600 referred for further diagnosis and treatment. The screenings focus on eight critical health areas, including breast, cervical, and oral cancers, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menopause, urinary tract infections (UTIs), infertility, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and nutritional deficiencies. Breast cancer screenings have reached 14.49 lakh women, cervical cancer 3.51 lakh, and oral cancer 14.86 lakh. Also in attendance at the event were Ravinder Nayak, director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Kumar, Director of Medical Education, and other senior officials from the Health Department. The audience included female doctors from government healthcare institutions across Telangana.
